At that an excited murmur again comes from the officer’s men.
“From here to the city is clear of enemy patrols and agents,” the officer tells him.
“Thank you,” he says and then gets his horse moving again. As they leave the patrol behind, James hears “Black Hawk!” and other exclamations as the officer’s men can no longer control themselves in their jubilation. If anyone can save Madoc in its time of need, it’s him.
James had come to the decision before this all began to leave the interaction with other military people to Illan. He understands the subtle nuances to get what needs done far better than he does. In those instances, he stays back and lets him have his way, confident he will do nothing to compromise their objective.
They reach the walls of Lythylla two hours after leaving the patrol behind. During that time, they encounter another three patrols, all telling them the same. Each time they continue on, leaving behind men whose hope for the future has been rekindled.
When the walls appear ahead of them, so does the river. They’re able to take in the defenses of the enemy which have sprung up over the winter. Nothing major, simply a wooden palisade stretching to the horizon several hundred feet from the river’s edge. Enemy patrols are seen in the area between the palisade and the water. From their vantage point, it’s impossible to see what lies on the other side of the palisade.
“Should we ride closer and let them see who it is that’s come to join the fight?” asks Ceadric. The revelation that Black Hawk has joined the fray would definitely send ripples of uncertainty and perhaps a little bit of fear through the soldiers.
Illan shakes his head and says, “No. Now is not the time.”
“They’ll know before too much longer,” Jiron says from his position behind them.
“When they do, they do,” he says and the tone of his voice tells them this conversation is over.
As they draw close to the north gate, they find it shut tight. Previously, it had been left open allowing refugees the opportunity to escape the coming conflict. By this time though, anyone who was going to flee would already have done so.
A crowd gathers along the wall over the gate as word spreads of the approaching force. When they’re finally able to see the Black Hawk banner flying in the wind, a cheer goes up from the defenders.
As they come within a couple hundred feet of the gate, it begins to swing open and six men ride out to meet them. In the center of the group is none other than Lord Pytherian himself. His aide Henri rides beside him as well as four other military officers.
“Greetings Black Hawk,” Lord Pytherian says as the two parties come together and stop.
“Milord,” Illan replies back.
“It’s been awhile,” he says.
A chuckle can be heard from the helm. “You could say that,” he replies.
Lord Pytherian finally glances at the others riding with the famed Black Hawk and his eyes widen when he discovers James there beside him. “As I live and breathe,” he says. “Am I glad to see you.”
“Sounds like you are about to have your hands full,” he says. “Good to see you again milord.”
“You too, James,” he replies and then turns his attention back to Illan.
“There are many things which we need to discuss,” Illan tells him.
“Indeed,” he replies as he turns back toward the city.
Across the river, soldiers of the Empire are taking a most interested look at the new arrivals. From their vantage point across the river, it’s hard to tell whether or not they have made out the banner. From the lack of excitement, James figures they haven’t yet done so.
At the gate, soldiers and civilians who have stayed behind to aid in Lythylla’s defense gather to greet the new arrivals. Shouts of “Black Hawk” and other exclamations greet them as they enter the city. The way they’re greeting him, you would think Illan was a returning conquering hero. Thinking back on the tales of his exploits, it may not be far from the truth.
James takes a good look at the walls of the city as they continue along. Several catapults are stationed evenly across the wall facing the river which will be able to rain stone and fire upon those attempting to breach the walls. He almost feels sorry for the enemy. Almost.
Lord Pytherian brings them to a plaza close to the castle area that had at one time been an open air market. Now the stalls lie closed and the whole area is deserted. “Your men can have this area while you’re here,” he tells them.
To Ceadric, Illan says, “Get the men settled in and wait for our return.”
“Aye sir,” he says and then begins barking orders as he does as bidden.
To Delia and Jiron, James says, “You better stay here too. Stay close to the others and watch for strangers. You never know.”
“You got it,” Jiron tells him.
In the center of the plaza is a statue of a rearing horse. The man with the Black Hawk banner goes to it and manages to secure the banner there so it will fly free with the breeze. Illan looks at it for a moment and then turns to go with James as Lord Pytherian takes them to the castle.
“What’s the situation?” asks Illan.
“Let’s talk about that inside,” he replies.
Illan looks to James with worry. Not wishing to talk about it in public can only be a bad sign. James nods his head in understanding.
After they enter the gates leading to the castle area, they make their way across the courtyard. At the castle entrance they dismount and then pass through the gates leading into the castle proper. The pages in the hallway, as well as the men-at-arms all stop in stunned silence when they see Black Hawk among them.
The men accompanying Lord Pytherian continue to walk with him. They reach a pair of double doors and Henri opens one for his lord and waits while they all file through. Once the last one is in, he enters as well and closes it.
Within the room is a large table with a map laid out across its top. Upon closer examination, it’s revealed to be a map of the surrounding countryside with figures sitting upon it. It’s a map detailing the positions of the enemy’s forces on the far side of the river.
Lord Pytherian takes the chair at the head of the table, James and Illan sit across from him. The others take the remaining chairs while Henri remains standing behind his lord.
Indicating the other men there with them, he says, “These are the leaders of our forces. Whatever you have to say to me you can say to them.”
Illan glances to James who gives him the go ahead to talk. “Milord, we did not come to place our forces at your disposal,” he says. “We, rather James here, has a proposition for you.”
“A proposition?” asks Lord Pytherian. Two of the other members of the group visibly frown at the statement.
“Yes,” replies Illan.
One member of the group, a gray haired man with ribbons and medals adorning his uniform asks, “And what is this proposition?”
Illan glances to James who stands. “It’s simple,” he tells them. “I would like your help in constructing a building.”
Shocked to say the least, this was the last thing they expected to hear. “A building?” another of the men asks.
“Are we to waste our time hearing this balderdash?” still another says.
“In return,” James continues, ignoring the outbursts, “we will drive the Empire out of Madoc.”
The man with the medals and ribbons breaks out laughing, the others look angry at being played for fools. “Are you serious?” he asks.
“Completely,” he replies.
“You and that band you brought in will drive out the forces which the alliance has only been able to slow?” one man asks. “I hardly doubt that young man.”
Lord Pytherian has remained quiet and thoughtful throughout. He remembers the feats James and his band did during the summer when the Empire all but broke through the gates. Also, rumors have reached him of other events concerning him, things which hardly seem credible.
“What building do you require and where is it to be built?” he asks.
